MJMA and Acton Ostry Architects
MJMA and Acton Ostry Architects
Occupancy:August 1, 2016
Construction Budget: $33.5 million
“HOW CAN THE NEW AQUATIC CENTRE EFFECTIVELY TRAIN OLYMPIANS, SERVE ITS COMMUNITY, AND ENHANCE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE. HOW CAN IT OPERATE ‘LEARN-TO-SWIM’ PROGRAMS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME RUN A 1000 PERSON SWIM MEET?”
The requirement to co-program elite level training and competitions with daily community use led to a 2-sided pool hall divided by a ‘Y’ shaped columns and a continuous skylight bisecting the building. In section, a translucent screen creates a luminous barrier between the two spaces, reflecting abundant sunlight into the ‘leisure’ side, while providing the required controlled and balanced light into the ‘competitive’ side.
“This campus building stands out for its luminous interiors. Being inside is like being in a white tent on a summer day all year round. Outside, it transforms swimming into a rambunctious event, drawing in passersby and animating the campus. The clear organization of pools and utility spaces into three zones is intelligently reinforced through the structural organization, especially the sculpted Y-shaped columns, and the canted ceilings.”
Jury members